Meredith Kessler Voted Greatest American Triathlete of All Time

With 11 IRONMAN titles and 15 IRONMAN 70.3 titles on her palmarès, it’s no surprise that Meredith Kessler came out tops in our latest 40th Anniversary "Best Of" poll for the greatest American female triathlete. (Heather Jackson was the runner-up.) Aside from her outstanding race results, Kessler has also established herself as a fan favorite with a down to earth, humble, and friendly attitude that endears her not only to amateur athletes and fans but also to her competitors.

Kessler attended Syracuse University on an athletic scholarship focusing on field hockey and track. Her introduction to triathlon came after college when she used graduation money from her parents to buy her first bike. She signed up and competed in a full-distance triathlon just three weeks later! However, the path to racing triathlon professionally was a slow burn with Kessler racking up almost 30 full-distance finishes before finally taking her pro card.

Kessler’s strength in triathlon is that she has no weakness. A front pack swimmer, one of the strongest cyclists in the sport, and a very solid runner, Kessler often leaves her competitors in her wake after the first few swim strokes, never to be seen again on the race course until the finish line.

The consistency displayed across triathlon disciplines is also matched by her racing, as the American loves to return to the same races and courses year after year. She has cultivated relationships with local fans in some of IRONMAN’s most iconic host cities and is beloved wherever she goes. Despite her foreigner status, the kiwis have named Kessler the "Queen of Taupo." After earning five consecutive titles at Kellogg's Nutri-Grain IRONMAN New Zealand, they consider her one of their own. Similarly, her four victories at IRONMAN 70.3 St. George and three IRONMAN Arizona titles have made the Ohio native almost a hometown champion.

After taking a hiatus from racing for most of the 2017 season to give birth to her son MAK, Kessler has been welcomed heartily back into the pro ranks in 2018 and has a packed schedule of IRONMAN and IRONMAN 70.3 races in all of her favorite cities.

As we collect the people, places, and moments that define our sport all year long, make sure to follow our Facebook and Instagram accounts for upcoming polls and your chance to make your voice heard. Follow our stories of 40 Years of Dreams at ironman.com/40years.